What do you do when you're asked to make a donation? When you get a flier in the mail? Or a sales call?

It can be tough to recognize phony solicitors, but to avoid getting scammed out of hard-earned cash, people need to be alert and know the difference between what's legitimate and what's not.

Officials with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said they've seen many letter marked with flags or eagles that appear to be from the government, when in fact they're a scam.

To avoid being defrauded, residents should know where the offer comes from and who they are dealing with. Never send money to an organization or someone who you don't know.

Fraud should also immediately to the Federal Trade Commission. That information helps law enforcement bring scammers to justice.

In addition, people should register their phone numbers on the Do Not Call list and opt out of all junk mail and solicitations.

On the computer, keep security programs up-to-date and immediately delete emails that look suspicious.


Brookville Police Chief Ken Dworek said people fall for scams every day. In one case he investigation, a couple lost $21,000.

"It's in epidemic proportions. Almost as bad as prescription drugs," Dworek said.

He said his department handles two to five cases a week because there is much money to be made in mass marketing fraud. International crime rings reach out to people by phone, online and through mail. According to the FTC, the deceptive crime costs the U.S. $1 billion a year and catching con artists is very difficult.

Dworek said, "It's frustrating because everybody, every law enforcement agency that has any bearing -- State Police you name it -- is putting out warnings. You get nothing for nothing and nothing is free."

For more information about how to enroll in the Do Not Call list, opt out of mass mailing and more, visit:

--The Federal Trade Commission website (ftc.gov)

--The Pennsylvania Attorney General's website (attorneygeneral.gov)